The US and Japan Will Hold the "Resolute Dragon" Joint Exercise
Reference News Network reported on May 27 According to Japan's "Daily News" website on May 22, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force announced that a large-scale joint exercise simulating island defense, "Resolute Dragon," will be held from June 20 to 30 in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions. During the exercise, in addition to the Ground Self-Defense Force's "Osprey" transport aircraft being deployed for the first time to Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture, units from the Kumamoto-based Kengun garrison and Shizuoka-based Fuji garrison, which were equipped with long-range stand-off missiles in March this year, will also participate.
The "Resolute Dragon" joint exercise has been held annually since 2021, with exercise locations including Self-Defense Force and U.S. military base facilities and civilian airports. It is reported that in this exercise, the Ground Self-Defense Force will focus on the Western Army Command (based at the Kengun garrison) and will send approximately 7,300 personnel to participate; the U.S. military will primarily consist of about 2,300 Marines stationed in Okinawa. The total participating force is expected to approach 10,000.
In the exercise areas of Kumamoto and Oita Prefectures, both Japan and the U.S. plan to deploy about 6 "Osprey" transport aircraft from the Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps for personnel and material airlift training. In the disaster response training held on Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, both sides are currently coordinating a plan for the Ground Self-Defense Force's "Osprey" aircraft to directly transport casualties to the U.S. military's Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture. Additionally, the newly established "Maritime Transport Group," which is directly under the Minister of Defense and primarily tasked with maritime transport, will also send the transport ships "Sunshine" and "Japan Clear" to participate for the first time. (Translated by Chen Rui)
Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marine Corps will conduct the 'Resolute Dragon' joint military exercise in Kyushu and Okinawa from June 20 to June 30, 2023. Approximately 10,000 personnel will participate, including 7,300 from Japan and 2,300 from the U.S. The exercise will feature the deployment of Osprey transport aircraft and transport ships, focusing on island defense and disaster response training.
- The joint exercise 'Resolute Dragon' will take place from June 20 to June 30, 2023.
- Approximately 10,000 personnel will participate, including 7,300 from Japan and 2,300 from the U.S.
- The exercise will involve the deployment of Osprey transport aircraft and transport ships.
- This exercise has been held annually since 2021, focusing on island defense.
- Coordination for disaster response training is ongoing between Japanese and U.S. forces.